Introduction: Nutrition as National Infrastructure

For a country on the brink of a demographic dividend, India is ironically weakened by a silent epidemic: protein deficiency. Despite economic growth, over 70% of our population fails to meet their daily protein requirements. Nutrition is one of the core pillars of physical and cognitive development, and it is rightly believed, “We are what we eat.” On average, Indians consume 1.317 kg of food per capita per day, amounting to 2,458 calories, yet the quality of that intake is deeply skewed.

The Protein Illusion: Carbs Are Not Enough

Indian diets are predominantly starchy, with cereals and carbohydrates making up over 70–80% of total caloric intake. While lentils and pulses are often assumed to be sufficient protein sources, they only contain 20% protein and are heavily outweighed by fats and carbs. To meet the daily recommended intake of 60 g of protein, one would need to consume approximately 8 bowls of dal or 7–8 glasses of milk—an impractical and expensive goal.

India’s average protein intake stands at approximately 0.6 g per kg of body weight, well below the Indian Council of Medical Research’s recommendation of 0.8–1 g/kg body weight. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO, 2011–12), rural households consume just 56.5 g of protein (down from 60.2 g in 1993–94), while urban households consume 55.7 g (down from 57.2 g).¹

An Invisible Epidemic: Deficiency Despite Diet Diversity

Even among non-vegetarians, protein deficiency is widespread: 85% of them do not meet daily requirements, while vegetarians fare worse with 91% falling short. According to a 2017 survey, 73% of Indians are protein deficient, and over 90% are unaware of how much protein they need daily.² This lack of awareness is especially dangerous for vulnerable populations like diabetics (recommended intake: 0.8–1 g/kg) and the elderly (1–1.2 g/kg).³

Developmental Disaster: Protein Deficiency in the First 1,000 Days

The first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two, form the blueprint for future health. During pregnancy, protein needs spike, especially in the third trimester, requiring an additional 31 g per day. Inadequate intake can cause low birth weight, irreversible cognitive damage, and lifelong developmental delays.

Evidence from the Cochrane Database confirms that antenatal nutritional interventions, particularly protein, significantly reduce the risk of preterm births and improve birth weights and head circumference.⁴

The Economic Barrier: High Costs, Low Nutrition

Affordability remains a major hurdle. According to the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition (2017), achieving just one nutrition recommendation (e.g., 400 g of fruits/vegetables per day) requires 52% of a household’s income in countries like India and Bangladesh.⁵

India spends only one-third of its budget on protein-rich foods. Urban households lean toward processed snacks, while rural diets remain cereal-dominated. Climate change compounds the issue. Between 1993 and 2012, protein levels in major pulses and legumes dropped by up to 60% due to rising CO₂ levels.

Low Biological Value: The Digestibility Crisis

More than 60% of India’s protein comes from cereals, which have low biological value and poor digestibility. Plant proteins must be carefully combined, such as with cereal-to-pulse ratios of 5:1 to 5: 3 to ensure amino acid completeness and maximize absorption.⁶

Undernourished Yet Overfed: A Dual Burden

India faces a paradox: widespread undernourishment exists alongside rising obesity rates. This dual burden stems from the overconsumption of empty calories and a severe lack of micronutrients and proteins. A protein-deficient population isn’t just a health liability; it is a national productivity crisis.

The OMN9 Perspective: Redesigning Protein for the Indian Plate

At OMN9, we envision a food system where quality proteins are not a privilege but a baseline. Our high-quality, plant-based protein sources are engineered for superior amino acid profiles, digestibility, and affordability. We’re not adding a new supplement to the shelf; we’re replacing the faulty foundation.

With judicious food pairings and accessible innovations, OMN9 is committed to correcting India’s protein narrative, especially for children, by advocating for cereal and pulse combinations and formulating options that work across income segments.

Conclusion: Protein as the Cornerstone of National Progress

Protein is more than a macronutrient. It is the scaffolding of human development, economic growth, and cognitive evolution. No society can thrive when 70% of its people are undernourished in this most essential element. The time to act is not tomorrow. It’s now.